Operational issues
Diversifying and innovating the revenue base
Organisations should be capable of financing and managing their own activities, using their own resources. External funding should mainly help to introduce new technologies and ideas- not cover operational costs. Apart from the commonly used member dues, organisations should be innovative in broadening and diversifying their revenue base, through for example: fees for services, project funding or generating profits from increased marketing and new business activities, for example combining production with other income sources (agro-tourism, health care).
Development of improved production systems and micro-enterprises
Members’ capacities to improve production, processing and marketing should be strengthened. The organizations can organize training, workshops and farmer-to-farmer exchange visits, and set up pilot projects, to learn about and implement new and innovative agricultural techniques and promote micro-enterprise development.
Also partnerships and alliances with (applied) research institutes should be established to implement programmes for participatory technology development and innovation.
Cooperation with other producer and like-minded organisations
Forging links of cooperation with various producer groups and other like-minded groups or organisations will increase know-how, strengthen economies-of-scale, enhance policy lobbying and better position the organization in the marketplace.
Individuals and smaller groups often do not have the resources needed to pursue broader objectives, such as gaining access to new (external) markets or influencing political processes. In those cases, inter-organisational cooperation, either at the local, national or regional level, may be needed to achieve results.
Establishing strategic partnerships
Apart from collaborating with other producers and like-minded community-based organisations, strategic partnerships should be established with NGOs, Universities, governments and funding agencies.
External support and assistance would be needed from:
- universities: research support (e.g. modernisation of farming activities) and design/set-up of training materials
- private sector: how to commercialise and diversify the financial revenue base for enhanced economic sustainability
- NGOs: lobbying strategies and overall training
- governments: negotiation on and participation in the policy formulation process; legalising production, processing and marketing.
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